Bus brace apparatus, bus assemblies, and methods of bracing bus bars

ABSTRACT

A bus brace apparatus for bracing electrical bus bars. The bus brace apparatus includes a bracing block with a plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses configured to receive bus bars therein and a plurality of legs defining sides of the bus-receiving recesses, wherein the legs including first apertures formed there through. Insulating positioners are received in each of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses and each of the insulating positioners include a second aperture formed therein. A fastener extends through each of the first and second apertures and aligns each of the insulating positioners within the bus bar-receiving recesses. A channel member is coupled to the bracing block and includes one or more sides configured to interface with a surface of the insulating positioners and limit rotation thereof in the bus bar-receiving recesses. Bus bar assemblies and methods of bracing bus bars are disclosed, as are other aspects.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to apparatus, assemblies, and methods forelectrical power distribution, and specifically to bracing of bus bars,such as horizontal bus bars.

BACKGROUND

In switchgear and switchboard systems, horizontal buses, such as A-, B-,and C-phase horizontal buses can connect between various electricalcomponents within an enclosure. For example, in one implementation,horizontal buses can connect between a first vertical bus in one area ofthe enclosure and another vertical bus located at another area of theenclosure. These horizontal buses can carry A-, B-, and C-phase linecurrent and can be interconnected to three-phase line power, forexample.

In such switchgear and switchboard systems, it is desired to move thecomponents as close together as possible to minimize overall spaceenvelope. Such close proximity of various buses, such as horizontalbuses under normal operating conditions is not problematic. However,such close proximity during a short-circuit event can cause substantialforces and bending of various components. If such bending issufficiently large, it could be possible to have phase-to-phase shortcircuits or undesirable arcing. Forces encountered during suchshort-circuit events are approximately inversely proportional to thespacing between the various bus bars and can be quite large.

Thus, there is a need to improve bus assemblies to improve strengththereof and allow close proximity positioning of the bus bars therein.

SUMMARY

According to a first embodiment, a bus brace apparatus is provided. Thebus brace apparatus comprises a bracing block having a plurality of busbar-receiving recesses configured to receive bus bars therein and aplurality of legs defining sides of the plurality of bus-receivingrecesses, the legs including first apertures formed there through, aninsulating positioner received in each of the plurality of busbar-receiving recesses, each of the insulating positioners including asecond aperture formed therein, a fastener extending through each of thefirst apertures and each of the second apertures and aligning each ofthe insulating positioners within respective ones of the plurality ofbus bar-receiving recesses, and a channel member coupled to the bracingblock and including first longitudinal side and a second longitudinalside each configured to interface with a surface of each of theinsulating positioners and limit rotation of the insulating positionersabout the fastener.

According to another embodiment, a bus assembly is provided. Thehorizontal bus assembly comprises a bus comprising a first bus bar, asecond bus bar, and a third bus bar; a first bus support configured tosupport each of the first, second, and third bus bars at a first end;second bus supports configured to support each of the first, second, andthird bus bars at a second end; and a bus brace apparatus, comprising: abracing block having a plurality of bus bar-receiving recessesconfigured to receive bus bars therein and a plurality of legs definingsides of the plurality of bus-receiving recesses, the legs includingfirst apertures formed there through, an insulating positioner receivedin each of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses, each of theinsulating positioners including a second aperture formed therein, afastener extending through each of the first apertures and each of thesecond apertures and aligning each of the insulating positioners withinrespective ones of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses, and achannel member coupled to the bracing block and including firstlongitudinal side and a second longitudinal side each configured tointerface with a surface of each of the insulating positioners and limitrotation of the insulating positioners about the fastener.

According to another embodiment, a method of bracing bus bars, such ashorizontal bus bars, is provided. The method includes providing a firstbus bar, a second bus bar, and a third bus bar; providing a bus braceapparatus comprising a bracing block having a plurality of busbar-receiving recesses, a plurality of legs defining sides of theplurality of bus-receiving recesses, the legs including first aperturesformed there through; an insulating positioner received in each of theplurality of bus bar-receiving recesses, each of the insulatingpositioners including a second aperture formed therein and sidesurfaces; a fastener extending through each of the first apertures andeach of the second apertures and aligning each of the insulatingpositioners within respective ones of the plurality of bus bar-receivingrecesses, and a channel member coupled to the bracing block andincluding first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side;receiving the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the third bus barin respective ones of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses; andinterfacing the side surface of each of the insulating positioners withthe first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side of thechannel member to limit rotation of the insulating positioners about thefastener.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosuremay be readily apparent from the following description by illustrating anumber of example embodiments, including the best mode contemplated forcarrying out the present disclosure. The present invention may also becapable of other and different embodiments, and its details may bemodified in various respects, all without departing from the substanceand scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure covers allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within thesubstance and scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The drawings, described below, are for illustrative purposes only andare not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure in any way. Wherever possible, thesame or like reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings torefer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective and side plan views,respectively, of an electrical bus assembly according to the prior art.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a bus assembly configured as ahorizontal electrical bus assembly including bracing with a bus braceapparatus according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side plan view of a bus assembly shown with cutoutsections in a channel member of the bus brace apparatus according to oneor more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side perspective view of a bracing block accordingto one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of an insulating positioneraccording to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2E illustrates a side plan view of an insulating positioneraccording to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2F illustrates a perspective view of a lock bracket according toone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2G illustrates a perspective view of a channel member according toone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2H illustrates a side plan view of the channel member according toone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2I illustrates a rear plan view of the channel member according toone or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2J illustrates an end plan view of the channel member showing aC-shaped cross section and the overlapping interface with the sides ofthe insulating positioner according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2K illustrates an exploded perspective view of a bus braceapparatus and components thereof according to one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a bus assembly, configured as abraced and supported horizontal bus assembly, shown installed in aportion of a switchgear assembly according to one or more embodiments ofthe disclosure (enclosure not shown for clarity).

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of bracing bus bars accordingto embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of thisdisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The aforementioned problems of prior art electrical busassemblies can be overcome by one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In particular, the use of the inventive electrical busassemblies, bus brace apparatus, and methods of bracing electrical busbars can provide substantially rigid and adequately supported busstructures, such as horizontal electrical bus assemblies. Further, busbrace apparatus that are configured in the prior art to receivemulti-piece electrical bus bars can be readily adapted to supportsingle-piece bus bars using the inventive bus brace apparatus. As such,minimal motion of the various supported electrical bus bars, such as A-,B-, and C-phase horizontal bus bars, can be provided when high-current,short-circuit events are encountered. In particular, motion of supportedsingle-piece bus bars during such short circuits events can beminimized, such as when large attraction or repulsion forces may bepresent. Such large forces can act between various phase, single-piecehorizontal bus bars or between such single-piece horizontal bus bars andother closely situated bus bars.

In one embodiment, a bus brace apparatus is provided. The bus braceapparatus is configured to be used in embodiments having relativelylower current ratings wherein single-piece bus bars (e.g., single-pieceA-, B-, and C-phase bus bars) can be used.

Certain applications require longer a bus, and a longer bus span.Meeting UL requirements in such longer spans formerly was achieved byusing a double bus bar arrangement as shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B, whichcould withstand a short circuit event. The single-piece (single channel)bus design described herein including the bus brace apparatus could beuseful at least up to 100 KA and for 800 A to about 2,000 A continuouscurrent applications. The bus brace apparatus includes a bracing blockhaving a plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses configured to receivesingle-piece bus bars therein, and a plurality of legs (e.g.,horizontally-extending legs) defining sides of the plurality ofbus-receiving recesses. The legs can include first apertures formedthere through (e.g., vertically there through).

The bus brace apparatus further includes an insulating positionerreceived in each of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses, andeach of the insulating positioners can include a second aperture formedtherein. A fastener can extend through each of the first apertures andeach of the second apertures and align each of the insulatingpositioners within respective ones of the plurality of bus bar-receivingrecesses.

To support the single-piece bus bars and prevent the insulatingpositioners from rotating within the bus bar-receiving recesses andinside of the bus bars, a channel member is coupled to the bracingblock. The channel member can include one or more sides, such as a firstlongitudinal side and a second longitudinal side, wherein each side isconfigured to interface with a surface (e.g., a side surface) of each ofthe plurality of insulating positioners and thereby limit rotation ofthe insulating positioners about the fastener (e.g., about an axial axisthereof.)

In another aspect, an electrical bus assembly is provided. Theelectrical bus assembly can include multiple bus bars, such as a firstbus bar, a second bus bar, and a third bus bar. The respective bus barscan be single-piece A-, B-, and C-phase bus bars, and can be configuredas horizontal bus bars in use, i.e., they can be oriented horizontally.A first bus support structure can be configured to support each of thefirst, second, and third bus bars at a first end. A second bus supportstructure can be configured to support each of the first, second, andthird bus bars at a second end. The bus support structures can beinsulating supports on one end and can comprise vertical bus bars onanother end, for example. A bus brace apparatus, as described above, canbe positioned in between the first bus support and the second bussupports and can brace and maintain spacing between the respectivesingle-piece bus bars as well as prevent rotation of the insulatingpositioners therein.

Methods of bracing bus bars, such as single-piece bus bars, are alsoprovided. The methods include providing a first bus bar, a second busbar, and a third bus bar, providing a bus brace apparatus (as describedherein), and interfacing respective surfaces (e.g., side surfaces) ofeach of the insulating positioners with the first longitudinal side andthe second longitudinal side of the channel member to limit rotation ofthe insulating positioners.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure will now be explained ingreater detail with reference to FIGS. 2A-4 below. FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate an electrical bus assembly 100 according to the prior artthat includes a bus brace apparatus 110 that is configured to supportmulti-piece bus bars, wherein each bus bar is made up of two pieces,such as the opposing C-shaped bus bar halves of an A-phase bus bar 102,B-phase bus bar 104, and C-phase bus bar 106, as shown. The bus braceapparatus 110 includes a bracing block 112, which is an insulator,having a plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses 114 formed therein. Thebus bar-receiving recesses 114 are configured to receive multi-piece busbars 102, 104, 106 therein. The bracing block 112 includes a pluralityof legs 116 defining sides of the plurality of bus-receiving recesses114, the legs 116 including first apertures 118 formed there through.Insulating positioners 120 are received in each of the plurality of busbar-receiving recesses 114, and wherein each of the insulatingpositioners 120 includes a second aperture 122 (a slot or groove) formedtherein. A fastener 124 extends through each of the first apertures 118and each of the second apertures 122 and aligns each of the insulatingpositioners 120 within respective ones of the plurality of busbar-receiving recesses 114. In the multi-piece configuration, theinsulating positioners 120 are prevented from rotation by the respectivehalves 102A, 102B; 104A, 104B; and 106A, 106B of the bus bars 102, 104,106.

FIGS. 2A-3 illustrate one or more embodiments of the bus brace apparatus210 configured to brace single piece bus bars and subcomponents thereof,electrical bus bar assemblies 200, and supported and braced electricalbus assemblies 300 that can be used within an electrical powerdistribution enclosure (e.g., a switchgear cabinet not shown). FIG. 4illustrates a method of bracing bus bars, such as single-piece bus bars.

Now referring to FIG. 2A, a bus brace apparatus 210 is shown in a busbar assembly 200. The bus brace apparatus 210 can be provided along thelengths of the respective first electrical bus bar 102A, the secondelectrical bus bar 104A, and the third bus bar 106A. For example, thebus brace apparatus 210 can be installed along the lengths of therespective bus bars 102A, 104A, 106A, such that the unsupported lengthLu is less than or equal to 50% of the total length Ltot, where Lu isthe unsupported length from the farthest support location to the busbrace apparatus 210 and the total length Ltot is the total lengthbetween supported locations of the bus assembly closest to the bus braceapparatus 210.

The bus bars 102A, 104A, 106A can be horizontal bus bars that runbetween the vertical bus bars and line power (or between other busstructures), and can be made of a highly-conductive material, such ascopper, coated copper, aluminum, and the like. The bus bars 102A, 104A,106A can include a bent cross sectional shape, such as a C-shape incross section. The bus bars 102A, 104A, 106A may include this sameC-shaped profile along a length thereof, except at the ends, which mayinclude fastening structures configured to couple to other supportstructures, such as insulating supports or other bus bars. As shown, thebus brace apparatus 210 can be installed onto the buses 102A, 104A, 106Aand secured to provide bracing between the respective bus bars 102A,104A, 106A.

In more detail, a bus brace apparatus 210 and components thereof will befully described with reference to FIGS. 2A through 2K. The bus braceapparatus 210 can be used to brace respective bus bars 102A, 104A, 106Arelative to one another and limit relative motion thereof duringtransient short circuit events. The bus brace apparatus 210 can be usedto brace bus bars 102A, 104A, 106A in applications where the bus bars102A, 104A, 106A are single piece and can have up to a 100,000 AShort-Time Withstand Rating, for example. Thus, the bus brace apparatus210 can be used in other applications such as for 65 kA, 85 kA, or even150 kA Short-Time Withstand Rating, if appropriately sized.

The bus brace apparatus 210 comprises a bracing block 112 of the sameconfiguration as in the prior art having a plurality of busbar-receiving recesses 114 of a size and shape configured to receive busbars 202, 204, 206 of the prior art (e.g., multi-piece bus bars) thereinand a plurality of legs 116 defining sides 116S of the plurality ofbus-receiving recesses 114, wherein the legs including first apertures118 formed there through. The apertures 118 can be holes or slots orcombinations thereof as shown. The bracing block 112 can be usedinterchangeably to brace multi-piece bus bars 102, 104, 106 of the priorart, but also is configured to brace single-piece bus bars 102A, 104A,106A. In a preferred implementation, the bus bars 102A, 104A, 106A areconfigured as horizontal bus bars in use, i.e., they are oriented withthe length dimension (longest dimension) oriented horizontally. As inthe prior art, the bus brace apparatus 210 comprises an insulatingpositioner 120 received in each of the plurality of bus bar-receivingrecesses 114. Each of the insulating positioners 120 includes a secondaperture 122 formed therein. Second aperture 122 can be a hole or thelike.

A fastener 124 is provided and extends through each of the firstapertures 118 and each of the second apertures 122 and aligns each ofthe insulating positioners 120 within respective ones of the pluralityof bus bar-receiving recesses 114.

The bus brace apparatus 210 further comprises a channel member 226coupled to the bracing block 112. The channel member 226 can be made ofan insulating material, such as a polyester resin with fiberglassreinforcement, such as from GP03 fiberglass National ElectricalManufacturers Association (NEMA) sheet. The insulating positioners 120can also be made of an insulating material, such as the same insulatingmaterial described above. The channel member 226 can include one or moresides and can include a first longitudinal side 226A and a secondlongitudinal side 226B, each being suitably configured to interface witheach of the insulating positioners 120 and function to limit rotation ofthe insulating positioners 120 about the fastener 124. In particular,the channel member 226 can interface with a surface 120S of each of theinsulating positioners 120 and limit rotation of the insulatingpositioners 120 about an axial axis 224A of the fastener 124. Forexample, the respective first longitudinal side 226A and secondlongitudinal side 226B may be parallel to one another and can beco-planar to one another and may each limit rotation of the insulatingpositioners 120 by coming into contact with the respective firstlongitudinal side 226A and second longitudinal side 226B as theinsulating positioners 120 attempt to rotate in the bus bar-receivingrecesses 114. Thus, the insulating positioners 120 are retained in asubstantially perpendicular orientation relative to the bus bars 102A,104A, 106A.

The channel member 226 can comprise a U-shaped cross-section along alength thereof as shown in FIGS. 2G and 2J. The first longitudinal side226A and the second longitudinal side 226B of the channel member 226should overlap the surface 120S (e.g., the side surfaces) of each of theinsulating positioners 120 by an overlap distance “O” of at least 10 mmas shown in FIG. 2J. For example, the overlap distance O can rangebetween about 10 mm and 18 mm. Other overlap distances may be used aslong as rotation is limited. The inside width W1 of the channel member226 can closely conform to the outside width W2 of the insulatingpositioners 120. For example, W1-W2 (the gap) can range from about zero(e.g., a line fit) to about 6 mm, but for ease of assembly the gapshould be between about 5 mm and 10 mm, for example. Other suitable W1and W2 dimensions and gaps may be used as long as rotation is limited.By way of example, and not by limitation, W1 can be from about 30 mm toabout 45 mm, and W2 can be from about 25 mm to 38 mm.

The channel member 226 comprises a connecting side 226C interconnectingbetween the first and second longitudinal sides 226A, 226B. The firstand second longitudinal sides 226A, 226B may be about 25 mm wide whereasthe connecting side 226C may be about 50 mm in width. Other dimensioncan be used. As best shown in FIGS. 2B, 2G, and 2I the connecting side226C can comprise one or more tab receivers 228. The one or more tabreceivers 228 are configured to receive one or more locking tabs 230T ofa lock bracket 230 (FIG. 2F) therein. In the embodiment shown, the oneor more tab receivers 228 comprise two tab receivers, one situated oneach end of the channel member 226. Each of the two tab receivers 228can be configured to receive a locking tab 230T therein. The one or moretab receivers 228 can comprise any suitable shape adapted to receive alocking tab 230T therein. For example, the one or more tab receivers 228can comprise a rectangular or square hole. Other suitable shapes, suchas a round hole may be used. The channel member 226 may be an insulatingmaterial. For example, the channel member 226 may be a glass-filledpolyester material. The channel member 226 can be formed by pultrudingthrough a heated die to achieve the final cross-sectional shape. In thedepicted channel member 226, the connecting side 226C interconnectingbetween the longitudinal sides 226A, 226B comprises a first tab receiver228 on a first end 226E1 and a second tab receiver 228 on a second end226E2.

As best shown in FIGS. 2B and 2F, the bus brace apparatus 210 furthercomprises one or more lock brackets 230. The lock brackets 230 can becoupled to the bracing block 112 and to the channel member 226 to securethem together. For example, the one or more lock brackets 230 cancomprise a body portion 232 having an aperture 234 formed therein, whichis configured to receive the fastener 124 through the aperture 234 andthe bracing block 112. The one or more lock brackets 230 can furthercomprise extending tabs 236 spaced on either side of the bracing block112 so as to straddle the bracing block 112. The extending tabs 236 maya length extending vertically alongside of the bracing block 112 byabout 12 mm to 20 mm, and may have a horizontal width alongside of thebracing block 112 of about 10 mm to 25 mm, and may have a gap dimensionbetween them that can be from a line fit to a gap of about 2 mm, forexample, as compared to the width W2 of the bracing block 112. Othersuitable gaps and dimension can be used. The extending tabs 236 shouldbe located proximate the ends of the uppermost and lowermost legs 116 ofthe bracing block 112 so as to maximize through air and over surfacedistance.

In more detail, the one or more lock brackets 230 can comprise the bodyportion 232 having the aperture 234 formed therein on a first end 232A,the locking tab 230T on a second end 232B, and the extending tabs 236spaced on either side of the body portion 232 in between the first end232A and the second end 232B. In the depicted embodiment, the extendingtabs 236 and the locking tab 230T project at an approximately 90 degreeangle from a plane of the body portion 232. Variations of up to +/−45degrees could be used. Any suitable variation can be used provided thatan acceptable locking and anti-rotation function is retained. As shown,the extending tabs 236 and the locking tab 230T can project from thebody portion 232 in a same direction. As depicted, the locking tab 230Tincludes a retaining end 230R and an aligning portion 230A. The aligningportion 230A can extend parallel to a plane of the body portion 232 andis configured to be received within the tab receivers 228. The aligningportion 230A can have a longitudinal length from about 11 mm to 15 mmand about 6 mm to 26 mm wide. The tab receivers 228 can have a square-or rectangular-shaped opening having a height sufficiently large toallow the locking tab 230T to be inserted therein by rocking and locktherewith. For example, the tab receivers 228 can have a 9 mm height andfrom about 8 mm to 25 mm wide, such as 9 mm by 9 mm opening therein. Theretaining end 230R can be from about 12 mm to 20 mm long in verticalheight. The vertical length of the retaining end 230R should be longerthan the height of the tab receiver 228, so that rocking is used toinsert the respective retaining end 230R in the respective tab receiver228. The Other suitable sizes and shapes may be used. The one or morelock brackets 230 can be made of a stamped metal, such as steel. Othersuitably rigid materials could be used, such as aluminum, or anengineered plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

As shown, the one or more lock brackets comprises two lock brackets 230and each can comprise a body portion 232, extending tabs 236, and alocking tab 230T, and wherein the retaining end 230R of the locking tab230T of each of the two lock brackets 230 can be oriented to projecttowards one another. In another option, the retaining ends 230R mayproject away from one another. The two lock brackets 230 can beidentical.

As depicted, the bus brace apparatus 210 comprising the one or more lockbrackets 230 comprises a first lock bracket 230 coupled to a first end112A of the bracing block 112 and a second lock bracket 230 coupled to asecond end 112B of the bracing block 112. The first lock bracket 230 andthe second lock bracket 230 may be couple to endmost ones of theplurality of legs 116. However, the first lock bracket 230 and thesecond lock bracket 230 may be positioned elsewhere, such as in a spacebetween an insulating positioner 120 and any leg 116.

As shown, the first lock bracket 230 is coupled to a first end 112A ofthe bracing block 112 and a second lock bracket 230 coupled to thesecond end 112B of the bracing block 112 and the coupling isaccomplished by the fastener 124. In the depicted embodiment, as bestshown in FIGS. 2B and 2K, the fastener 124 can be made up of a threadedrod 224R, and nuts 224N, such as lock nuts. Lock nuts may be torquedbetween 6-10 Nm (5-7 lb-ft), for example. Other values can be used. Asleeve 224S may be inserted over the threaded rod 224R. Sleeve 224S maybe made of an insulating material such as plastic, and may extend fullyfrom the uppermost leg 116 to the lowermost leg 116 when oriented asshown in FIG. 2K.

In accordance with another embodiment, a bus assembly 300 including thebus brace apparatus 210 is shown and described with reference to FIG. 3.The bus assembly 300 comprises a bus 101 comprising the first bus bar102A, a second bus bar 102B, and a third bus bar 102C. Each of the busbars 102A, 104A, 106A shown can be single-piece bus bars, as shownincluding a C-shaped profile along a length thereof (excepting theattachment portions at the ends thereof). The bus assembly 300 cancomprise a first bus support 340 configured to support each of the firstbus bar 102A, second bus bar 104A, and third bus bar 104C at respectivefirst ends thereof. First bus support 340 may be an insulator and therespective first bus bar 102A, second bus bar 104A, and third bus bar104C can connect to the first bus support 340 by suitable fasteners,such as bolts or screws.

The bus assembly 300 can further comprise second bus supports 342, 344,346 configured to support each of the first bus bar 102A, second bus bar104A, and third bus bar 106A (e.g., horizontal bus bars) at a second endthereof. In the depicted embodiment, the second bus supports 342, 344,346 can be embodied as vertical bus bars (shown truncated). The verticalbus bars are configured to carry A-, B-, and C-phase electrical currentto main or branch circuit breakers, for example. The second bus supports342, 344, 346 can be connected to the first bus bar 102A, second bus bar104A, and third bus bar 106A using brackets 348 or other suitableelectrical connection.

The bus brace apparatus 210 is as shown and described in FIGS. 2A-2K,and is positioned between the first bus support 340 and the second bussupports 342, 344, 346. The bus brace apparatus 210 comprises a bracingblock 112 having a plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses 114configured to receive the single-piece bus bars 102A, 104A, 106A,insulating positioners 120 received in the bus bar-receiving recesses114, a fastener 124 extending through the bracing block 112 andinsulating positioners 120 and aligning each of the insulatingpositioners 120 within respective bus bar-receiving recesses 114. Thechannel member 226 attaches to the bracing block 112 and haslongitudinal sides 226A, 226B configured to interface with surfaces 120Sof the insulating positioners 120. The interface limits rotation of theinsulating positioners 120 about the fastener 124. For example, theinterface can limit rotation to less than about 3 degrees about theaxial axis 124A of the fastener 124. The bus brace apparatus 210 can bepositioned at a location that provides at least a minimum level ofsupport for the bus 301, as discussed above. One or more than one of thebus brace apparatus 210 can be used on a span of the first bus bar 102A,second bus bar 104A, and third bus bar 106A (e.g., horizontal bus bars).Likewise, although three bus receiving recesses 114 are shown in the busbrace apparatus 210, more or less numbers of such bus receiving recesses114 could be used.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of supporting electrical bus bars (e.g.,horizontal bus bars). The method 400, comprises, in 402, providing afirst bus bar (e.g., first bus bar 102A that can be a horizontal busbar), a second bus bar (e.g., second bus bar 104A that can be ahorizontal bus bar), and a third bus bar (e.g., third bus bar 106A thatcan be a horizontal bus bar).

The method 400 further comprises, in 404, providing a bus braceapparatus (e.g., bus brace apparatus 210) comprising a bracing block(e.g., bracing block 112) having a plurality of bus bar-receivingrecesses (e.g., bus bar-receiving recesses 114), a plurality of legs(e.g., legs 116) defining sides (side 116S) of the plurality ofbus-receiving recesses (e.g., bus-receiving recesses 114), the legs(e.g., legs 116) including first apertures (e.g., first apertures 118)formed there through; an insulating positioner (e.g., insulatingpositioner 120) received in each of the plurality of bus bar-receivingrecesses (e.g., bus bar-receiving recesses 114), each of the insulatingpositioners (e.g., insulating positioner s120) including a secondaperture (e.g., second aperture 122) formed therein and side surfaces(e.g., side surfaces 120S), a fastener (e.g., fastener 124) extendingthrough each of the first apertures (e.g., first apertures 118) and eachof the second apertures 122 and aligning each of the insulatingpositioners 120 within respective ones of the plurality of busbar-receiving recesses (e.g., bus bar-receiving recesses 114); and achannel member (e.g., channel member 226) coupled to the bracing block(e.g., bracing block 112) and including first longitudinal side 226A anda second longitudinal side 226B.

Further, the method 400 includes, in 406, receiving the first bus bar(e.g., first bus bar 102A), the second bus bar (e.g., second bus bar104A), and the third bus bar (e.g., third bus bar 106A), in respectiveones of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses (e.g., busbar-receiving recesses 114), and, in 408, interfacing the side surfaces120S of each of the insulating positioners 120 with the firstlongitudinal side 226A and the second longitudinal side 226B of thechannel member 226 to limit rotation of the insulating positioners 120about the fastener 124. The interfacing, although shown with outsidesurface, could alternatively be with any side surfaces of the insulatingpositioners 120 so long as rotation can be restrained.

It should be readily appreciated by those persons of ordinary skill inthe art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility andapplication. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present disclosureother than those herein described, as well as many variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from, orreasonably suggested by, the present disclosure. Accordingly, while thepresent invention has been described herein in detail in relation tospecific embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure isonly illustrative and presents examples merely for purposes of providinga full and enabling disclosure. This disclosure is not intended to limitthe invention to the particular apparatus, assemblies, and/or methodsdisclosed, but, to the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope ofthe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bus brace apparatus, comprising: a bracingblock having a plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses configured toreceive bus bars therein and a plurality of legs defining sides of theplurality of bus-receiving recesses, the legs including first aperturesformed there through; an insulating positioner received in each of theplurality of bus bar-receiving recesses, each of the insulatingpositioners including a second aperture formed therein; a fastenerextending through each of the first apertures and each of the secondapertures and aligning each of the insulating positioners withinrespective ones of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses; and achannel member coupled to the bracing block and including firstlongitudinal side and a second longitudinal side each configured tointerface with a surface of each of the insulating positioners and limitrotation of the insulating positioners about the fastener.
 2. The busbrace apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel member comprises aU-shaped cross-section along a length thereof.
 3. The bus braceapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal side and the secondlongitudinal side of the channel member overlap the surface of each ofthe insulating positioners by at least 10 mm.
 4. The bus brace apparatusof claim 1, wherein the channel member comprises a connecting sideinterconnecting between the first longitudinal side and the secondlongitudinal side, and wherein the connecting side comprises one or moretab receivers formed therein.
 5. The bus brace apparatus of claim 4,wherein the one or more tab receivers receive one or more locking tabstherein.
 6. The bus brace apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or moretab receivers comprise two tab receivers.
 7. The bus brace apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein each of the two tab receivers are configured to receivea locking tab therein.
 8. The bus brace apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe one or more tab receivers comprise a rectangular hole.
 9. The busbrace apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel member comprises aconnecting side interconnecting between the first longitudinal side andthe second longitudinal side, and wherein the connecting side comprisesa first tab receiver on a first end and a second tab receiver on asecond end.
 10. The bus brace apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channelmember comprises a connecting side interconnecting between the firstlongitudinal side and the second longitudinal side, and wherein theconnecting side comprises a first tab receiver on a first end and asecond tab receiver on a second end, and wherein the first longitudinalside and the second longitudinal side are co-planar.
 11. The bus braceapparatus of claim 1, comprising one or more lock brackets coupled tothe bracing block and to the channel member.
 12. The bus brace apparatusof claim 11, wherein the one or more lock brackets comprise a bodyportion having an aperture formed therein configured to receive thefastener through the aperture and the bracing block and extending tabsspaced on either side of the bracing block.
 13. The bus brace apparatusof claim 11, wherein a lock bracket of the one or more lock bracketscomprises a body portion having an aperture formed therein on a firstend, a locking tab on a second end, and extending tabs spaced on eitherside of the body portion in between the first end and the second end.14. The bus brace apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least one of the oneor more lock brackets comprises a body portion, extending tabs, and alocking tab including a retaining portion, the extending tabs and theretaining portion projecting at an approximately 90 degree angle from aplane of the body portion.
 15. The bus brace apparatus of claim 11,wherein the one or more lock brackets comprises two lock brackets andeach of the two lock brackets comprises a body portion, extending tabs,and a locking tab including a retaining portion, wherein the retainingportion of each of the two lock brackets project towards one another.16. The bus brace apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more lockbrackets comprise a first lock bracket coupled to a first end of thebracing block and a second lock bracket coupled to a second end of thebracing block.
 17. The bus brace apparatus of claim 11, wherein the oneor more lock brackets comprise a first lock bracket coupled to a firstend of the bracing block and a second lock bracket coupled to a secondend of the bracing block and by the fastener securing the first lockbracket and the second lock bracket to the bracing block.
 18. The busbrace apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel member comprises aradiused corner between a connecting side and the first longitudinalside and the second longitudinal side.
 19. A bus assembly, comprising: abus comprising a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a third bus bar; afirst bus support configured to support each of the first, second, andthird bus bars at a first end; second bus supports configured to supporteach of the first, second, and third bus bars at a second end; and a busbrace apparatus, comprising: a bracing block having a plurality of busbar-receiving recesses configured to receive bus bars therein and aplurality of legs defining sides of the plurality of bus-receivingrecesses, the legs including first apertures formed there through, aninsulating positioner received in each of the plurality of busbar-receiving recesses, each of the insulating positioners including asecond aperture formed therein, a fastener extending through each of thefirst apertures and each of the second apertures and aligning each ofthe insulating positioners within respective ones of the plurality ofbus bar-receiving recesses, and a channel member coupled to the bracingblock and including first longitudinal side and a second longitudinalside each configured to interface with a surface of each of theinsulating positioners and limit rotation of the insulating positionersabout the fastener.
 20. A method of bracing bus bars, comprising:providing a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a third bus bar;providing a bus brace apparatus comprising a bracing block having aplurality of bus bar-receiving recesses, a plurality of legs definingsides of the plurality of bus-receiving recesses, the legs includingfirst apertures formed there through; an insulating positioner receivedin each of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses, each of theinsulating positioners including a second aperture formed therein andside surfaces; a fastener extending through each of the first aperturesand each of the second apertures and aligning each of the insulatingpositioners within respective ones of the plurality of bus bar-receivingrecesses; and a channel member coupled to the bracing block andincluding first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side;receiving the first bus bar, the second bus bar, and the third bus barin respective ones of the plurality of bus bar-receiving recesses; andinterfacing the side surfaces of each of the insulating positioners withthe first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side of thechannel member to limit rotation of the insulating positioners about thefastener.